Whenever things get extra heavy in my heart, I turn to art. Actually, if I’m being honest, I’d say I turn to paper and glue. I delve deep into boxes of paper scraps to create my own form of artistic expression, if not actual art. Some people turn to music to connect their heart and their mind- to help them meditate, to communicate their feelings to God, to themselves, or both. For me, it’s paper and glue. You do what you gotta do, right? At least I’m letting my feelings out in a healthy way.

It’s been a while since I shared any of my art journal pages, so I thought it was about time to lay it all out there again! It’s always good to make time to journal- I hope you can be inspired to destroy your dining room table and really get it on with some pens, paint, and words.

Art journaling is a good groove to get into. I love it for different reasons each time I force myself to do it. An ever-growing to-do list usually overpowers my creative will, but I know that making a big mess on the dining room table and letting it all loose is so good for my peace of mind. So I just do it.

My purpose for art-journaling is to flex my creative muscles and to just make something- no rules allowed- quickly, and without over-thinking the process. It’s a chance to explore shapes, composition, colors, and type without worrying about the outcome. While I work on setting up the background, I start processing any feelings I’ve been experiencing lately, and let that guide the content for my page or spread. I’ve been getting better about concisely sharing my thoughts or emotions, without turning my art journal into just a journal full of only words. I want this little book to just be filled with moments in time.

It’s always amazing how picking up some paint and a pen can clear my head. But the problem is, I never seem to be able to clear the table long enough to spread out my endless supplies and really delve into an art journal. It always seems like such a big under-taking, though getting back into the habit of journaling has been on my to-do list for an embarrassingly long time. The last time I really worked on a book was in 2011, and while I’ve dabbled since then, nothing compares to opening up a composition book and filling it with bits and pieces of paper and thoughts.

My scrapbooking friend Vanessa came to visit for a long weekend, and since she brought along her supplies, I felt encouraged to embrace the creative mess and begin an art journal. I’m really excited about keeping up with a book where I can record the little details of my life, from mundane things like shopping lists and frequent dinners to personal thoughts about being a mother and dealing with cancer. I enjoy the creative outlet of putting together little messy spreads with magazine clippings, Instagram snaps, and whatever else I feel like adding to the mix. Nothing about this book will be complicated or intimidating for me- at least, that’s my goal. I’ll just be adding to it whatever strikes me as important at the time. It’ll be fun to see how this book fills out as the year goes on!